Butternut Squash Soup with Walnut-Whiskey Butter

8 tsp. (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 yellow onion, peeled and diced
2 leeks, washed and thinly sliced
2 quarts (8 C.) low-sodium chicken broth
4 pounds butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes (from about 2 large squash)
3/4 to 1 C. heavy (whipping) cream
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper

4 tsp. (1/2 stick) salted butter
1 scallion, chopped
1 oz. whiskey or bourbon
1/4 C. walnuts or pecans, lightly toasted and ground

For the soup: In a heavy-bottomed 8-quart casserole, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and leeks and gently stew them, covered, until translucent, stirring occasionally. Add the chicken stock. Bring the stock and onions to a boil and then add the squash. Reduce the heat and simmer until the squash is just tender but cooked through. Remove from the heat. Using a slotted spoon, transfer batches of the squash to a blender or food processor and puree until completely smooth. Repeat until all the squash is pureed. Add just enough of the cooking liquid to process easily. Pour the pureed squash back into the cooking liquid and add the cream, and then salt and pepper to taste. If the soup is too thick, thin it with more of the cream and correct the seasoning. For the nut butter: Combine the 4 tsp. butter, scallion, whiskey and ground walnuts or pecans in a blender or food processor and pulse until well mixed. To serve, place a dollop of nut butter in a serving bowl and ladle the soup over it.

Yield: 8 servings
Calories: 433
Fat: 32g
Fiber: 5g